Ayodhya, the sacred city on the banks of the Sarayu River, is gearing up for a monumental event as the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir approaches. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra has announced a spectacular celebration, where classical Indian instruments from various regions will echo in harmony to mark the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ of the revered Mandir.
Champat Rai, the general secretary of the Mandir trust, revealed that a diverse selection of musicians from different corners of India has been curated to perform during the grand ceremony scheduled for January 22. Rai expressed excitement about the cultural amalgamation and emphasised the significance of showcasing the rich musical heritage of the country on this auspicious occasion.
Amid questions surrounding the ceremony being held in what some consider an “incomplete Mandir,” Rai dismissed criticisms, stating, “I will not respond to any criticism.” Instead, he focused on the elaborate schedule of the ‘Pran Pratishtha,’ set to commence at 12:20 pm and conclude by 1 pm on the appointed day.
The ceremony will witness the esteemed presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and the president of theMandir trust, Mahant Nritya Gopal Das. Seating arrangements for approximately 8,000 attendees have been meticulously organised, ensuring a grand spectacle.
The musical ensemble for the event will feature an array of classical instruments known as “vadya yantra” from different regions of India. Bansuri and dholak artists from Uttar Pradesh, veena from Karnataka, sundari from Maharashtra, alghoza from Punjab, mardala from Odisha, santoor from Madhya Pradesh, pung from Manipur, nagada and kali from Assam, tamboora from Chhattisgarh, pakhawaj from Bihar, shehani from Delhi, and ravanhatha from Rajasthan are among the featured performers.
In addition, Shrikhol and Sarod artists from West Bengal, Ghatam from Andhra Pradesh, Sitar from Jharkhand, Nadaswaram and mridangam from Tamil Nadu, and Hudka from Uttarakhand will also grace the event with their musical prowess. The musicians are set to play their instruments during intervals when ritualistic chants are not taking place or when someone is not addressing the audience.
Beyond the musical festivities, representatives from L&T and Tata Consulting Engineer, the project management consultants for the Ram Mandir, will also attend the opening event. The Mandir trust has ensured adequate facilities for the guests, including refreshments, lunch, drinking water, toilet blocks, and shoe racks.
The guest list for the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ is illustrious, with over 7,000 invitations extended. Cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan, and industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani are among the invitees. Notably, 53 guests from 50 countries, including the US, Africa, the Gulf region, and Hong Kong, will grace the Mandir event, underlining its global significance.
As the date approaches, workers from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) will begin visiting the Mandir in batches from January 26 until the end of February, ensuring a seamless and organised execution of the event. Gifts pouring in from Jankakpur in Nepal and various parts of India, including Sitamarhi in Bihar, highlight the global enthusiasm and support for this historic occasion.
Accommodation arrangements for the invitees are underway at Karsewakpuram and Teerth Kshetra Puram, with additional bookings made in hotels and dharamshalas. The anticipation for the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony is reaching a crescendo, promising a celebration that not only transcends regional boundaries but also echoes the cultural and spiritual unity of the diverse nation.
